Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars

Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a sweet, fruity treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any time of the day, these Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a fantastic choice. With a buttery oatmeal crust, a luscious layer of apricot preserves, and a crumbly topping, these bars are both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert, a snack, or even a quick breakfast, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 cup apricot preserves

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that your bars come out easily once they’re baked and cooled.

2. Make the Crumble Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, baking soda, rolled oats, and flour. Use a fork and knife or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed but still have a loose, crumbly consistency.

3. Form the Crust:
Measure out 2 cups of the oat mixture and gently press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Make sure the crust is firmly packed, as this will serve as the base for your bars.

4. Add the Apricot Layer:
Carefully spread the apricot preserves over the crust, leaving about 1/4 inch of space from the edge of the crust. This will prevent the preserves from bubbling over the sides while baking.

5. Top with Crumble:
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the apricot preserves to form the crumble topping. Try to distribute the crumble evenly for a uniform texture when baked.

6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the preserves are bubbly. The crumble should have a slightly crisp texture, and the apricot layer should be warm and gooey.

7. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This cooling time is essential for the bars to set properly and be easier to cut. Once cooled, cut into 9 squares and serve. These bars are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Recipe Notes

These Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars are versatile and can be adapted with different types of fruit preserves, such as raspberry, strawberry, or blueberry. The buttery, oat-filled crust pairs beautifully with any fruit, making these bars a perfect year-round dessert.

For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, into the crumble topping. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for a sweet finish.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Calories: 180 kcal per bar
• Servings: 9 bars

These Apricot Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s sure to please. With their crumbly texture and sweet apricot filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with friends and family. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of oats and fruit in every bite!

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